Pre-Season Report | Forest Green Rovers 1-2 Cardiff City
Cardiff City continued their preparations for 2021/22 with a 2-1 victory over Forest Green Rovers at The New Lawn Stadium on Tuesday evening.
James Collins and Gavin Whyte struck in the second half to earn the visitors victory in the heat.
It was another important game for players to gain match fitness as Mick McCarthy’s side look ahead to the new campaign.
The game got off to a slow start and Dillon Phillips made three key stops inside the opening 20 minutes. The goalkeeper kept out Jamille Matt’s header, Ben Stevenson’s distanced effort and Kane Wilson’s dangerous cross.
City became more threatening in attack following the water break and crafted a decent chance with 36 minutes played. Ryan Giles put a terrific cross into the area and 30-year-old Collins sprung forward, but couldn’t get to the ball.
After the interval, the Bluebirds got off to a swift start by scoring inside the half’s opening three minutes. Threatening Giles’ brilliant cross was netted by striker Collins, who secured his third goal of pre-season.
The hosts responded with an equaliser ten minutes later. Forward Matt headed in powerfully from Regan Hendry’s delivery and there wasn’t much stopper Phillips could do about it.
Both sides pressed for the winner and City came close after 79 minutes. Mark McGuinness headed the ball just over from an acute angle.
The Bluebirds continued in attacking fashion and took the lead again, five minutes later. Isaac Vassell’s low cross found winger Whyte, who struck home.
Cardiff City pushed for a third as the hosts looked for an equaliser, but both defences were resilient for the remainder and City earned a second pre-season win.
FINAL SCORE: FOREST GREEN ROVERS 1-2 CARDIFF CITY
Forest Green Rovers: McGee (Thomas 73’), Wilson (Covil 82’), Cargill (March 61’), Stevenson (Young 61’), Adams, Stevens (Bernard 61’), Allen (Edwards 73’), Matt (Diallo 61’), Moore-Taylor, Hendry (Evans 82’), Godwin-Malife (Hallett 82’).
Cardiff City: Phillips, Sang (Bowen 58’), McGuinness, Flint, Brown, Bagan (Davies 71’), Wintle (Vassell 71’), Pack (Tomlin 71’), Harris (Whyte 71’), Giles (Ralls 71’), Collins (Vaulks 71’).
Subs not used: Smithies, Luthra, Jones, Bakare, Denham, Connolly, D'Almeida, Zimba.
